Action! Bradford film office set to open in China

Bradford is set to launch a film office in Qingdao, China, as part of a developing relationship between UK and China film industries.

The office will launch as part of the Qingdao Film Trade and Domestic Film Promotion Festival, which takes place between 18th and 22nd September 2017.

The event attracts 500 delegates, including government officials from State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Shandong Provincial Government, Qingdao Municipal Government.

Heads from 48 cinema chains, major domestic distribution companies and film production companies will also be attending, alongside film stars, directors, screenwriters and production teams.

The festival will feature a series of talks about Chinese and international films. Headline topics for debate will include “how to develop Chinese film with craftsmanship”, “how to set up a new industrial standard for Chinese film”, and “how to achieve film industrialisation”.

As part of the arrangement, Qingdao will also open a UK China Film Bureau in Bradford in the coming months.

As a result of the relationship between the two cities, Qingdao University of Science and Technology and the University of Bradford are developing a number of collaborations in the areas of science and technology as well as film and TV production.

David Wilson, director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, said: “We’ve been working with Qingdao for some time now and I was very fortunate to have visited the city earlier this year and see first hand the scale of ambition for film.

“I am delighted to have been invited to attend the conference to communicate with high-ranking members of the Chinese film industry and give an opening speech for the Qingdao Film Museum.

“The establishment of a Bradford Film Office in Qingdao will enable the UK to have a portal to promote UK co production opportunities, and wider business opportunities particularly in Leeds City Region and the North of England.”

Roger Marsh OBE, chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), commented: “I’m delighted Bradford is leading the way by brokering strategic relationships in the screen industry and wider business community in the beautiful coastal city of film, Qingdao.

“I’ve seen first-hand the massive potential for Leeds City Region businesses in China. It’s fantastic to see Bradford seizing the initiative and creating opportunities in this huge market.

“This international presence further showcases the strengths of the screen industries in both the City Region highlighting the talent, locations and ambition which is garnering national and international attention, including that of Channel 4.”

The Bradford office will develop co-production projects between UK and Chinese filmmakers, in an effort to help accelerate film development. The office will also offer advice on to attract about studying film and TV production in the UK.

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